Alfredo Morales says he feels fit, confident and ready to help New York City get back on track in 2023.
The midfielder, who missed a chunk of the 2022 campaign through injury, also missed four games in May with a knock, but announced his return to action with a superb assist against FC Cincinnati.
The Boys in Blue are in the midst of a tough run of form, without a win in our last eight, and Morales says he is relishing the chance to turn the season around, employing the same positive attitude that aided his recovery.
“I feel very good,” he said. “I’m healthy, I’m confident in my body and my quality as a player, and I’m willing to give everything when it’s my time to step onto the pitch.
“Regarding the last weeks and months, obviously I need games – I need as many games as possible. You have to suffer in some moments – if you get exhausted, tired at the end of the game, you have to push through those moments to get even more confident.
“I’m just trying to do everything to prepare myself before the games, recover after the games, and be very mindful of everything I do – a lot of things play a big role: sleep, nutrition, my diet, whatever it is.
“I’m trying to look at everything, and do everything possible. I think I have a good mentality, and enough drive and willpower to overcome phases in a game where I would be tired. That’s okay, I like the challenge, and I’m positive I will get to my top form – hopefully as soon as possible.”
The City Boys are seeking a first road win of 2023 with a trip to Real Salt Lake, looking to build on last weekend’s draw against New England Revolution.
Though Nick Cushing’s side just lacked the finishing touch to claim the win, a clean sheet was a positive step – and Morales asserts the team are working tirelessly to sharpen up.
“Offensively, we’re doing a good job to create chances, clear goalscoring opportunities but we’ve missed scoring the goals,” he continued.
“We have to finish those attacks, we have to execute the gameplan. At the end of the day, we want to score more goals, and we’re trying to work every day to improve.
“We want to be an offensive team – we want to play, we want to attack, we want to dominate, and I think it’s a very good step in the right direction.
“We are very positive, very confident, and we are willing to do everything to finally get a win. We deserve one. We have had very good performances and this should give you confidence individually; for the belief in our team, the belief in our system, and the style we want to play.
“[We will keep our heads up] however long it takes. This is the challenge of sports in general, especially in soccer. You can find excuses… but we have to make sure we do everything to win the game, and keep pushing.
“We know that in soccer, there are stretches and patches where you don’t get rewarded for what you put in, but it will come, and we try to prepare for Saturday. Hopefully, it will come on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a challenge against Real Salt Lake, so we will see how it is when the day comes.”
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